The formation of protective elytra is crucial for beetle success. However, some lineages show elytra reduction. This review explores the evolutionary consequences of this phenomenon, using the analogy of Captain America losing his shield. Beetles with reduced elytra have evolved alternative defense mechanisms, including hardened abdominal tergites, Batesian mimicry, aposematic coloration, chemical protection, and defensive bioluminescence. While it's unclear if these strategies directly evolved in response to elytra loss, they likely compensate for the loss of primary protection.
